Bob,I got your Email pictures from the Auction House. How Exciting!!! That gun is the real deal. Don't do anything to it. DO Not put a butt plate on it. As Dick recommends, do not touch it. Please do not even clean it up. That will just damage it. Leave the dirt and rust right on it.

It opens up more conjecture on whether the markings are for an Indian Spirit Gun or a Texas Ranger Gun. I'm still in the Indian Spirit Camp. If yours came from the Cody Collection as stated, my opinion is that the markings are Native.

I sent you and Dick a nice color package the other day. It goes perfectly with your gun. Sincerely, Michael H. Collins